This volume of essays by scholars of German film and culture examines the relatively neglected German films of the immediate post-World War II period, the so-called "rubble films." Often seen merely as symptoms of a particular German malady--the supposed inability to confront the sins of its immediate past--these films have rarely been examined for their aesthetic qualities and for what they actually depict about postwar German life, attitudes, and fears. Placed within the context of German film history of the postwar period and Allied censorship, the essays examine both well-known and nearly forgotten films for their narrative structure, aesthetic strategies, political ideologies, psychological portraits of damaged adults and orphaned youth, and the nuances of the history they reveal.

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From George Washington to Barack Obama, "Extreme Presidential Trivia" offers an array of trivia and facts about the forty-four men who have been presidents of the United States of America. Researcher and author Bradley W. Rasch presents a variety of lists, followed by fairly well-known trivia, and finally venturing into the obscure and little-known facts.

"Extreme Presidential Trivia" provides the answers to a host of questions surrounding the nation's chief executive officers. You can learn which presidents died in office, served as attorneys before holding office, did not have children, were freemasons, attended Harvard, won the Nobel Peace Prize, or were Boy Scouts.

Designed to educate and entertain, "Extreme Presidential Trivia" details trivia not found in many history books. You'll learn who was the only chief executive to be elected unanimously; who received a speeding ticket while in office, resulting in the confiscation of his horse and buggy; and who did play-by-play of a Chicago Cubs game on radio.

From Sharach Bond, who served as the first governor of Illinois beginning in 1818, to William Ogden, Chicago's first mayor, many powerful men and women have played vital roles in the political life and climate of both Chicago and Illinois. The Governors of Illinois and the Mayors of Chicago provides biographies for the state's most important power brokers.

In this study, author Bradley W. Rasch explores the history of the state, its politics, and its power brokers and details little-known facts about some of the important people:

Edward Coles, who served as governor from 1822 to 1826, was an abolitionist long before it was fashionable.

Gov. Joseph Duncan's (1834-1838) major accomplishment was moving the state capital to Springfield.

William Ogden is called Chicago's founder and served as the first mayor after its incorporation, which he helped facilitate.

Mayor Augustus Garrett served as mayor twice but is best known for having his second election invalidated due to fraud.

Filled with an interesting array of facts and trivia, The Governors of Illinois and the Mayors of Chicago shows how many of the people who served in these positions have gone on to receive national and international acclaim and influence.

This book is an introduction to the nature of modernity as envisioned by Germany's leading social theorist of the late twentieth century, Niklas Luhmann. For Luhmann, modernity is neither an Enlightenment project nor a ludic rejection of that project, but rather the pre-condition of all our deliberations, the structure within which our semantics makes sense, even as we think we celebrate (or mourn) its passing. Rather than viewing modernity as a disease for which we seek a cure, Luhmann poses it as a question to which we continually devise incomplete and partial answers. When we grow impatient with the contingency and indeterminacy that is thus forced upon us and seek solace in community, religion (orthodox or civic), consensus, and a universal vision of the good life, we grow impatient with modernity itself.
The book injects concepts derived from Luhmann's influential systems theory (complexity, contingency, and enforced selectivity; system differentiation, self-referential closure, and autopoiesis) into debates about modernity and postmodernity, constructivist and foundationalist epistemologies, the relationship between politics and ethics, and the possibilities of interdisciplinary work that spans the great divide between science and the humanities. Delighting in Luhmann's provocatively cool and dispassionate bursting of cherished balloons, the book stages challenging engagements with such thinkers as Jurgen Habermas, Jacques Derrida, Jean-Francois Lyotard, Drucilla Cornell, Judith Butler, Michel Serres, N. Katherine Hayles, and such political theorists as Chantal Mouffe and Carl Schmitt. The irrepressibility of paradox emerges as a stubborn feature of all of these confrontations.
The book closes with two interviews: one a discussion with Luhmann and Hayles on epistemology, the other with Luhmann on the functional differentiation of modern society.

This volume offers a cultural, aesthetic, and critical reappraisal of German 'rubble films' produced in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War and constructs their meaning in a historical context.

This book is an introduction to the nature of modernity as envisioned by Germany's leading social theorist of the late twentieth century, Niklas Luhmann. For Luhmann, modernity is neither an Enlightenment project nor a ludic rejection of that project, but rather the pre-condition of all our deliberations, the structure within which our semantics makes sense, even as we think we celebrate (or mourn) its passing. Rather than viewing modernity as a disease for which we seek a cure, Luhmann poses it as a question to which we continually devise incomplete and partial answers. When we grow impatient with the contingency and indeterminacy that is thus forced upon us and seek solace in community, religion (orthodox or civic), consensus, and a universal vision of the good life, we grow impatient with modernity itself.
The book injects concepts derived from Luhmann's influential systems theory (complexity, contingency, and enforced selectivity; system differentiation, self-referential closure, and autopoiesis) into debates about modernity and postmodernity, constructivist and foundationalist epistemologies, the relationship between politics and ethics, and the possibilities of interdisciplinary work that spans the great divide between science and the humanities. Delighting in Luhmann's provocatively cool and dispassionate bursting of cherished balloons, the book stages challenging engagements with such thinkers as Jurgen Habermas, Jacques Derrida, Jean-Francois Lyotard, Drucilla Cornell, Judith Butler, Michel Serres, N. Katherine Hayles, and such political theorists as Chantal Mouffe and Carl Schmitt. The irrepressibility of paradox emerges as a stubborn feature of all of these confrontations.
The book closes with two interviews: one a discussion with Luhmann and Hayles on epistemology, the other with Luhmann on the functional differentiation of modern society.

Psychology in a Nutshell gives you a feel for the field of psychology by explaining the thirty most important concepts in this exciting subject area. Rasch does this in a down to earth and interesting style.

"Psychology: The Stuff You Can Really Use" offers a thought-provoking description of some of the basics of psychology that can be used to enhance your life and to understand yourself and others better. Having worked as a psychologist for over thirty years, and having had the opportunity to teach the subject at the college level for the same amount of time, author Brad Rasch has discovered what this field has to offer that is useful and interesting. This practical reference guide provides information that can be used to enhance your life and gain a better understanding of yourself and others. He examines several different topics that can aid in developing strong mental health like having a hobby that can allow us to relax, reduce stress, and improve our mental health. Hobbies can also encourage us to find and relate to others with a similar passion. Another topic he tackles is the concept that one man's fault is another man's lesson-we learn from the mistakes that others make. Psychology: The Stuff You Can Really Use facilitates learning from the vast experience and expertise of the author by offering his thoughts on a variety of topics relating to psychology in short passages.

Philosophy In A Nutshell provides a description of the most important concepts in philosophy and explains how they influence psychology, politics, and popular culture.

The pursuit of happiness is codified in our Declaration of Independence, and is deeply woven into our DNA. When we are happy, chemical neurotransmitters in the brain increase and give us a sense of well-being. We crave this feeling. According to the World Happiness Report the US ranks 23rd in happiness. Well behind Iceland, New Zealand, and Denmark. We are also behind our neighbors to the north, the Canadians. Is it possible that we have too many options, too many choices to be truly happy with our decisions? This book explores why Americans are often at least somewhat unhappy. It has much to do with orange juice in Denmark, and donuts in Canada. By understanding our level of dissatisfaction, we can begin to become happier, and more satisfied with ourselves, our lives, and the people we choose to love and befriend.

During the summer of 2011, Professor Bradley Rasch embarked on a lengthy train trip through Germany with a group of European college professors.As often happens with foreigners and Americans, it was not long before the conversation turned to American politics and government. As Rasch fieldedquestions from his fellow passengers about the American government and how it works, he soon realized that his explanations were teaching him much about his country as well.Here, Rasch details the discussions from that journey as well as the reactions of the professors, ultimately challenging myths and deep truths and bringing to light the strengths and weaknesses of this influential country. While describing the basics of American government and politics in an informative, thought provoking style, Rasch combines his own love of history and passion for his country to present an informative study that addresses diverse questions: - What is the American dream?- Why is the president not elected by popular vote?- What is American exceptionalism?- How does the United States government really work?- What do the two parties agree on?Explaining and Defending American Government shares an insightful, eye-opening glimpse into the true state of the government and politics of the most powerful nation in the world.

A humorous look at Chicago professional sports venues and personalities by way of previously unknown (and untrue) trivia.

From Sharach Bond, who served as the first governor of Illinois beginning in 1818, to William Ogden, Chicago's first mayor, many powerful men and women have played vital roles in the political life and climate of both Chicago and Illinois. The Governors of Illinois and the Mayors of Chicago provides biographies for the state's most important power brokers.

In this study, author Bradley W. Rasch explores the history of the state, its politics, and its power brokers and details little-known facts about some of the important people:

Edward Coles, who served as governor from 1822 to 1826, was an abolitionist long before it was fashionable.

Gov. Joseph Duncan's (1834-1838) major accomplishment was moving the state capital to Springfield.

William Ogden is called Chicago's founder and served as the first mayor after its incorporation, which he helped facilitate.

Mayor Augustus Garrett served as mayor twice but is best known for having his second election invalidated due to fraud.

Filled with an interesting array of facts and trivia, The Governors of Illinois and the Mayors of Chicago shows how many of the people who served in these positions have gone on to receive national and international acclaim and influence.

POLITICAL SCIENCE IN A NUTSHELL THIRTY THINGS THAT WILL HELP YOU UNDERSTAND POLITICAL SCIENCE By Bradley W. Rasch. Interested in Politics or Political Science and have some difficulty understanding it? This book explains the different Political Systems in the world, and carefully details thirty Political terms you should know. In short, reading this book allows you to become literate in Political Science. This book will allow you to begin to understand modern Politics and to take part in the important debates of our time from a knowledgeable base. The book also contains thirty questions you should ask, and be able to answer, about the state of Politics today. The reader will find this book down-to-earth, entertaining, and free of jargon. It will send you on a journey towards not only understanding those Sunday News-Talk shows, but to being able to make points just as, or more valuable than, those Sunday morning "talking heads."

Twenty-five important Americans you have never heard of. This book will acquaint you with a number of Americans that have had a significant impact on our country or our culture. For the most part, their names are not known, their contributions taken for granted. In some cases, the reader may be familiar with the name, but not the contributions the individual has made. Some of the people on this list are actually groups of people. For example, chapter four discusses the fourteen men that served as Presidents of the United States before George Washington. One of the other chapters also discusses two people. The author took an additional liberty. Someone that is not an American is on this list. He is discussed because it is quite possible that this country would not exist today without him. For this reason, the author has decided to make him an honorary American. The target audience of this book is the casual reader, the lover of history, and the undergraduate college student interested in learning what the history books have left out.

It is not really possible to have a grasp of world events, politics, or history without at least some understanding of religion. Garrison Keillor once said "Anyone who thinks sitting in church can make you a Christian must also think that sitting in a garage can make you a car." Albert Einstein remarked, "Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous." Abraham Lincoln addressed religion in the following manner "My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right." Finally George Carlin said "Religion has convinced people that there's an invisible man ... living in the sky. Who watches everything you do every minute of every day. And the invisible man has a list of ten specific things he doesn't want you to do. And if you do any of these things, he will send you to a special place, of burning and fire and smoke and torture and anguish for you to live forever, and suffer, and suffer, and burn, and scream, until the end of time. But he loves you. He loves you. He loves you and he needs money." Understanding religion is a prerequisite for the understanding of political conflicts, and much of human behavior. Religion is a force for good, and history will tell us that sometimes the opposite is true. This book will provide the reader with an explanation of the thirty most important concepts in religion today. It should be pointed out that religion and beliefs change over time.

From George Washington to Barack Obama, "Extreme Presidential Trivia" offers an array of trivia and facts about the forty-four men who have been presidents of the United States of America. Researcher and author Bradley W. Rasch presents a variety of lists, followed by fairly well-known trivia, and finally venturing into the obscure and little-known facts.

"Extreme Presidential Trivia" provides the answers to a host of questions surrounding the nation's chief executive officers. You can learn which presidents died in office, served as attorneys before holding office, did not have children, were freemasons, attended Harvard, won the Nobel Peace Prize, or were Boy Scouts.

Designed to educate and entertain, "Extreme Presidential Trivia" details trivia not found in many history books. You'll learn who was the only chief executive to be elected unanimously; who received a speeding ticket while in office, resulting in the confiscation of his horse and buggy; and who did play-by-play of a Chicago Cubs game on radio.